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NTSB Report
October 16, 1993 · Cessna 172M · N16582
Culebra, PR
Overview
Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 16, 1993
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Culebra, PR
Aircraft
Cessna 172M
Tail Number
N16582
Operator
Matyas James P
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
MIA94LA012
The pilot was practicing low flight over water and took evasive action to avoid a bird. During the evasive maneuver the left wing struck the water.
NTSB Probable Cause
The poor in-flight decision of the pilot-in-command to bank the airplane while flying low level instead of climbing to avoid collision with a bird. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the water.
Full Narrative
On October 16, 1993, about 1100 Atlantic standard time, N16582, a Cessna 172-M, registered to Pyrometer Assoc. Inc., and operated by James P. Matyas experienced a wing strike while maneuvering over water near Culebra, Puerto Rico, while on a 14 CFR 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The airplane was substantially damaged and the pilot reported no injuries. The flight had originated from San Juan, Puerto Rico, about 20 minutes earlier. The pilot stated that while practicing low flight, about 10 feet above the water, he observed a bird directly ahead, and initiated an evasive maneuver. The left wing struck the water damaging the tip, aileron, and rear spar. He then returned to the airport. The FAA and the NTSB were not notified of this accident until October 25, 1993.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:00 AST
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 172M
Tail NumberN16582
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorMatyas James P
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-E2D · Reciprocating · 150
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 55 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind360° @ 8 kt
Visibility13 sm
CeilingNone
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time14:52
Weather SourceWFAC